Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Want to make homemade chicken nuggets? This Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe is seasoned to perfection and cooked in the air fryer until perfectly golden and crispy. Serve with dipping sauces for a satisfying and kid-friendly dinner in under 30 minutes.
My kids love these Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, and I promise it’s so much better than what you get at fast food places. Quick and easy, and can be made in about 25 minutes, and you get the best crispy nuggets.
You may also love these air fryer chicken bites that are perfect for meal prepping or my air fryer meatballs.
Make chicken nuggets in your air fryer!
What kid or even adults don’t like chicken nuggets?
Making homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer is more nutritious than store-bought, is dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free. Adults can enjoy these them just as kids, and they can be added to your meal prep bowls and tossed over your salad.
Tips from my kitchen
Before you get started
- Chicken breasts: To help each chicken nugget cook evenly in the air fryer, make sure to cut them into equal-sized chunks.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika can also be used, but the smoked paprika definitely adds more flavor.
- Cooking oil spray: An olive oil spray will add a little extra flavor, but any other neutral oil will work just as well.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer, with no pieces overlapping or touching significantly. Also, if needed, cook in two batches. This will help them get crispy!
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
Common questions
Any of your favorite sauces will do the trick! Try barbecue sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, or our homemade ranch dressing.
Save your leftovers because these reheat beautifully! You can return their golden, crispy exterior in just a few minutes. Turn on the air fryer to 400°F and reheat the chicken nuggets for 4-8 minutes, or until heated through. If using an oven, just reheat them in a 400F preheated oven for 5-6 minutes until they are crispy and warm.
Store your homemade chicken nuggets in an airtight container or a sealed zipper bag after they are completely cooled. They will last in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Yes! Allow the nuggets to cool fully, then freeze in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw on the counter or overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the air fryer or oven for 4-8 minutes, or until heated through.
Ingredients needed
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make these chicken nuggets. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Chicken breasts: I used boneless and skinless chicken breasts, but you may use boneless and skinless chicken thighs.
- Eggs: used as a binder for breadcrumbs.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, Garlic powder, Onion powder, Black pepper, and salt
- Panko breadcrumbs: Use store-bought or you can make your own at home. Check out our post on how to make breadcrumbs.
- Cooking oil spray
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
1️⃣ Preheat the oven
First, preheat the air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes. You have the option to use parchment paper for the air fryer basket.
2️⃣ Prep the chicken
Next, trim any fat from the chicken breast and cut into 1-inch chunks; set aside.
✏️ Try cutting the chicken the same size so they cook evenly. You may also use boneless and skinless chicken thighs. I prefer chicken breast, though.
3️⃣ Bread the chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Then, in a second shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Now dip each chicken piece into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
✏️ You can use your hands or some tongs for this step.
4️⃣ Cook the nuggets
Place chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket, in a single layer; you may need to bake in two batches or more, depending on the size of your fryer. Then spray the nuggets with some cooking oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
✏️ You may use a parchment paper basket liner. I recommend you open the basket halfway through cooking and give it a good shake.
5️⃣ Serve
Once done, remove the nuggets from the basket with a tong. Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy!
How to make Chicken nuggets in the oven
- Preheat oven: First, preheat the oven to 400F
- Prepare the nuggets: Follow the same steps as you would if you were air-frying (please refer above or scroll down to the recipe card steps 2-5)
- Line the nuggets on a greased sheet pan. Or you may add a wire metal rack on a sheet pan, spray with some cooking spray to prevent nuggets from sticking, and transfer the nuggets to the wire rack. Spray the top of the nuggets with more cooking spray.
- Next, Bake: Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are crispy, golden brown, or the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Finally, serve with your favorite dip like honey mustard.
